The Nevada State Athletic Commission has temporarily suspended Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after the former middleweight champion failed a drug test. The failed test was revealed shortly after his dramatic loss to Sergio Martinez on Sept. 15.

The commission made the standard procedural move yesterday. Chavez tested positive for marijuana last month. Chavez will have a hearing within the next two months and could receive a lengthy suspension or a significant fine.

SOCCER: Knee knocks Donovan out

Landon Donovan will not play for the U.S. national team in a pair of upcoming World Cup qualifying matches because of an injured left knee, adding to what will be a pressure-filled few days for the Americans.

U.S. Soccer said yesterday Donovan will likely not be replaced on what was a 24-man roster for the upcoming qualifiers, first on Friday on the road against Antigua and Barbuda, then in Kansas City on Oct. 16 against Guatemala. Donovan was injured while playing Saturday for the Galaxy. He went back to Los Angeles to be reevaluated.

HOOPS: Former Knick Butcher dead at 76

Donnie Butcher, who played five seasons with the Knicks and Pistons and later coached the Pistons, has died. He was 76. Butcher, who averaged 6.1 points in 279 games, became Detroit’s coach late in the 1966-67 season, replacing player-coach Dave DeBusschere who was traded to the Knicks the next season.

Lakers center Dwight Howard has been cleared for five-on-five scrimmages as he recovers from offseason back surgery.

Tracy McGrady confirmed he will play in China this season. The former Knick , 33, said he would play for the Qingdao Eagles.